"Come what may...and love it"

Today in Relief Society we had a wonderful lesson. Part of the lesson focused on being able to laugh through difficult times. The talk used for the lesson was by Elder Wirthlin and he talked about how his mother would tell him "come what may...and love it". He then added, "I think she may have meant that every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don’t sing and bells don’t ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result."

I know laughter is the best medicine in my life. When I get overwhelmed by the mounds of laundry and dishes and the kids fighting, I find that laughter can be a really good friend. I often have to remind myself to not take life too seriously. On my counter I have a quote by Gordon B. Hinkley that says, "In all of living have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured."

I am so lucky in my life to have a fun husband to laugh with. We both enjoy our crazy home with a dose of laughter. For example, yesterday we tried to get a photo taken of Tess. She is 5 months old now and smiles a lot. She almost sits up and is always wide-eyed with wonder about life around her. We were in Billings to attend the temple and I had scheduled and appointment with Kiddie Kandids for photos. We arrived and Tess was in a great mood, happy and smiling. They were running behind so we waited about 45 minutes for our turn. When our time arrived Tess took one photo and then cried and fussed. I could not get her to calm down. She is always so calm and easy and not fussy at all. I gave up and we finally had to just leave. It was definitely one of those frustrating moments in life that Scott and I just had to laugh about to keep from going nuts!

I have been blessed with a fun mother who has always brought smiles and laughter into my life. When my family gets together we love to tell old stories about the funny things that happened while we were growing up. Usually the stories center around events that could have been less than joyful. We didn't have a lot of money, my mom cared for my aging grandparents (who had Alzheimer's disease), my parents divorced, so we definitely had our share of heartaches and problems but my Mom has always maintained her wonderful sense of humor. I really thank her for that example in my life.

When I was listening to the lesson at church today I was reminded of a time several years ago when my kids were small. I was going to college and I was working on my computer doing my homework. Cora came into my room and asked if she could make a peanut butter & jelly sandwich. She was six and perfectly able to make her own sandwich, so I told her yes. Alyssa (5) came in a few moments later and asked if she could make a sandwich. I also told her yes. Then 2 year old Cody came in and asked if he could make a sandwich. I was distracted and annoyed and just said yes, but I hadn't really heard his question. Shortly thereafter I found Cody covered from head to toe in peanut butter and jelly. I could have been frustrated and upset but I just laughed and pulled out my camera and took photos. I still laugh when I see those photos.

Sometimes laughter is what we need and sometimes we need to just look for the positive even when there doesn't seem to be any. Tonight Tate was reaching for a can of Disney Princess Soup and a can of Coconut Milk fell from above and landed on her face, right on her mouth, and cut her. It hurt her a great deal and she was bleeding. I started to bemoan why this had happened to her but then I counted my blessing that she was not hurt worse. Luckily, she didn't split her lip or have any teeth knocked out and with some love, an ice pack and some time, she felt better.

My ramblings today may be long but the overall message of it is to choose to be happy. Elder Wirthlin said "The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable."

I agree with him ...and his mother.

To read the talk click on this link: http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=b5f44bb52a73d110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1